Clean Energy Powered Surfboards

ABSTRACT

Clean energy powered surfboard having various advantages that make for easy to learn, easy to use, safe, exciting, high performance, environmentally friendly surfing on any ocean wave in the world. The various embodiments include novel motor, turbine, or electric motor generator surfboards comprising hydrogen or electric-powered motors, which can be switch-activated and which drives jet pumps. Energy can be stored as compressed gas, including air and hydrogen. Energy can be stored in novel capacitors that are incorporated in the body of the surfboard. Energy can be generated by solar or water power while surfing or by passing waves, for example, while waiting for a big wave. An output jet provides thrust to catch a wave, to return to the wave breaks, or to avoid a hazard. A novel fin output jet increase stability and maximizes thrust. Self-contained, self-recharging embodiments are low cost, lightweight, safe, and good for the environment.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a surfboard, in particular surfboardsthat are powered by various types of stored energy, or generated andstored energy, especially clean energy.

2. Description of Prior Art

Background—Surfing and Surfboards

Surfing is a person riding down a breaking wave, conventionallygathering speed from the downward and forward movement. A breaking oceanwave is called the “surf.” Surfing can also occur on a standing wave ina river or in a man-made artificial wave. The most common for of surfingutilizes a surfboard, which come in various lengths, shapes, and sizes.

Surfing originated in Polynesia and was first observed by Europeans in1767. Traditional Hawaiian surfboards were made of wood such as koa orwiliwili, were heavy, and were as long as eighteen feet.

Prior to the 1930s, surfboards did not have fins. First keel fins wereadded, and then, in the 1940s the shape of the fin evolved to that usedtoday. Also in the 1940s, hollow fiberglass or wooden surfboards hadwooden cores. In the 1950s, foam cores became common. In the 1960s,smaller more agile “short boards” were developed. In the 1970s, morethan one fin became common.

Background—Motorized Surfboard-Like Personal Watercraft

Over the last four decades, several attempts have been made to createpowered surfboard using gasoline combustion engines. However, inpractice these are very heavy water craft that are in essence a stand-upjet ski with the ability to go up to 40 mile per hour. These arecommonly used on flat water rather than being true surfboard, used inocean surf. Examples include the 1968 Jet Board, the now defunctMotorboard International's Surfjet (which weighed 135 pounds andrequired wheels to take it up the beach), and the similar SurfangoPowerSurf FX (which weights 112 pounds).

Robert Montgomery, currently of PowerSki International Corporation, wasissued U.S. Design Pat. D355,400 on Feb. 14, 1995. The Montgomery designshows a device similar to the Surfjet having a relative large enginecompartment in the center of the watercraft and a flexible controlhandle.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,817 was issued Feb. 27, 2001, to Andrzej and PiotrDec. The Dec patent discloses a watercraft similar to the Montgomerydesign having low profile internal combustion engine, a water pump, andcomplicated exhaust cooling and muffling assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,634 was issued Mar. 9, 2004, to Koock Jung. The Jungpatent discloses a motor and a cylindrical propeller both mounted undera surfboard. The Jung patent also discloses a retractable stop apparatusthat functions as a water brake and automatic turning mechanism, andoptional handle bars.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,901,872 was issued Jun. 7, 2005, to Darwin and GuamaBattle. The Battle patent discloses a surfboard similar to the Surfjetbut having two external propellers. The Battle patent discloses use ofan internal combustion motor, or an electric motor with a battery pack.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,282 was issued Apr. 24, 2007, to Chia-Wen Ruan, etal. The Ruan patent discloses a prior art propeller unit that removablyattaches to the back end of a surfboard, and a claimed propeller drivendevice that attaches under a surfboard. The Ruan patent furtherdiscloses that the motor control can be electrically wired or wireless.

Background—Electric Motors with Rechargeable Batteries on Surfboards

United States Patent Application Publication 2003/0167991 published Sep.11, 2003, Stan Namanny. The Namanny publication discloses a kit forconverting a conventional surfboard into a motorized one. The kitcomprises a nickel cadmium battery powered electric motor attached to afin. The kit is designed to replace a fin, or attach to a fin, on anotherwise unaltered surfboard. The kit also includes a conventionalbattery charger used the charge the batteries before going into theocean providing up to one hour of continuous operation per batterycharge. Notably Namanny teaches that the kit is used to assist a surferin paddling away from shore at a low rate of speed.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,226,329 was issued Jun. 5, 2007, to Mike Railey. TheRailey patent discloses a surfboard having two internally mountedelectric motors powered by lithium batteries to drive impellers. TheRuan patent further discloses board surface mounted hand throttlecontrols as well as wireless control.

Background—Waterwheels

Unrelated to the field of surfing, waterwheels have been used to harnesspower from moving water. A waterwheel is a machine for converting theenergy of flowing or falling water into more useful forms of power, aprocess known as hydropower or water power. In the Middle Ages,waterwheels were used as tools to power mills and factories. Awaterwheel comprises a wheel with buckets or blades arranged on theoutside rim to form a driving surface.

Background—Water Powered Turbine Generators

Unrelated to the field of surfing, turbine generators are known togenerate electricity using a turbine having a plurality of blades todrive a generator shaft. The generator shaft drives an electricalgenerator to produce electricity. The main difference between earlywaterwheels and a turbine is a swirl component of the water which passesenergy to a spinning rotor allowing the turbine to be smaller, spinfaster, and process greater flow.

Water turbine generators provide clean, renewable energy.

In some embodiments, a turbine generator may also function as anelectric motor and a pump.

Background—Capacitors

Unrelated to the field of surfing, a capacitor is a passive electroniccomponent consisting of a pair of conductors separated by anon-conductive region, known as a dielectric. When a voltage potentialdifference exists between the conductors, an electric field is presentin the dielectric. The electric field stores energy between theconductors. The effect is greatest between wide, flat, parallel,narrowly separated conductors or plates. In practice, the dielectricbetween the plates passes a small amount of leakage current, thus unlikebatteries, capacitors are substantially better for sort term storage andrecharge than for long term storage.

Capacitors can be formed by rolling the conductors in a tight spiralforming a cylinder. The cylinder can then be placed in a canister.

More recently, supercapacitors have been made from carbon aerogel,carbon nanotubes, or highly porous electrode materials. Thesesupercapacitors provide extremely high capacitance.

Background—Solar Cells and Solar Power

Unrelated to the field of surfing, a solar cell is a photovoltaic devicethat converts light, especially sunlight, directly into electricity.Assemblies of solar cells are arranged to form solar panels. Solar powerfrom solar cells is an excellent for clean, renewable energy.

Background—Hydrogen

Unrelated to the field of surfing, is hydrogen-based power. Hydrogenpower is an excellent for clean, renewable energy.

When hydrogen combines with oxygen it produces heat energy and purewater. Pure hydrogen and oxygen can be obtained by splitting water. Theenergy needed to split the water can come from the sun or from storedelectricity. Hydrogen is a gas and may be stored in pressurized tanks orchemically, such as metal hydrides to reduce the volume. Hydrogen can bethen be burned cleanly to power an internal combustion engine with onlywater as its exhaust. Alternatively, hydrogen can react in a fuel cellto directly produce electricity, which can then cleanly power anelectric motor.

Background-Problems Associated with Surfboards

Surfing became very popular in the 1960s. As many surfers age, theyloose stamina and strength, and often they suffer joint problems thataffect their ability to paddle out to waves and, more importantly, tohave enough thrust to catch big wave.

Younger potential surfers are distracted from the sport because of thedifficulty of learning the surf, most notably having enough thrust atthe right time to catch the wave. These potential surfers are have manyother sports to choose from including riding personal watercraft such asjet skis, wake boarding, body boarding, wind surfing, kitesurfing, seakayaking, snow boarding, skating, skate boarding, and biking

Many of the best surf spots drop the surfer into hazardous conditionssuch as shallow reefs and rocky shorelines. Examples are found at Poipuand Mavericks. Once a surfer ends up on the reef or rocks it isdifficult to swim out of danger against an onslaught of crashing waves.

Many of the best surf spots are crowded so that it is becoming moredifficult to avoid hitting other surfers who are on other types ofboards (long boards versus short boards, or body boards).

Ocean surfers also encounter sharks and are sometime mistaken forwounded seals and are bitten by sharks. After being bitten, surfer mayhave difficulty swimming back to shore.

Attempts to create gasoline-powered surfboards have not been verysuccessful or accepted by the surfing culture. They pollute the waterand air and contribute to global warming. They also are complicated,expensive, heavy, and difficult transport. Further, they are regulatedby government entities and may require EPA testing.

What is needed is a low cost, light weight, portable, powered surfboardthat can be used to surf ocean waves, and, in particular, to provide ashort burst of thrust to catch an wave or avoid a hazard. Further, whatis needed is powered surfboard that uses clean, renewable energy.Further, what is needed is an electric powered surfboard that can berecharged while in the water using solar, waterwheel, or water turbinegenerators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improvedpowered surfboard having various advantages that make for easy to learn,easy to use, safe, exciting, high performance, environmentally friendlysurfing on any ocean wave in the world. The various embodiments includenovel motor, turbine, or electric motor generator surfboards comprisinghydrogen or electric-powered motors, which can be switch-activated andwhich drives jet pumps. Energy can be stored as compressed gas,including air and hydrogen. Energy can be stored in novel capacitorsthat are incorporated in the body of the surfboard.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Some objects and advantages of the present invention are:

-   -   a) To provide a powered surfboard for obtaining thrust to catch        a wave.    -   b) To provide a powered surfboard that is lightweight.    -   c) To provide a powered surfboard that is portable.    -   d) To provide a powered surfboard that is easy to use.    -   e) To provide a powered surfboard that is low cost.    -   f) To provide a solar powered electric surfboard.    -   g) To provide a hydrogen-powered surfboard.    -   h) To provide a water-powered surfboard.    -   i) To provide a compressed gas powered surfboard.    -   j) To provide a powered surfboard that can allow a surfer to        perform shark avoidance.    -   k) To provide a powered surfboard that can allow a surfer to        rescue themselves when injured.    -   l) To provide a powered surfboard that can allow a surfer to        rescue another surfer with minimal effort.    -   m) To provide a quicker and more effective method of returning        to wave breaks.    -   n) To provide a quicker and more effective method of gaining        momentum in order to catch a wave.    -   o) To provide a safer means of avoiding hazardous waves,        obstacles, animals, or other surfers.    -   p) To reduce the learning curve by enabling a less skilled        surfer to participate in surfing with minimized risk.    -   q) To provide a powered surfboard that offer higher performance.    -   r) To provide a powered surfboard that is adjustable to varying        conditions.    -   s) To provide a powered surfboard that is minimal in cost and        waste.    -   t) To provide means and methods of a powered surfboard that are        environmentally friendly.

DRAWING FIGURES

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number butdifferent alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a powered surfboard.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a powered surfboard with energystorage.

FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D illustrate block diagrams of various embodimentsof electrical storage.

FIG. 4A through FIG. 4E illustrate water-powered embodiments which useturbine generators and waterwheels.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate water-powered embodiments withbi-directional channels.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate embodiments with multiple input ports.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment having fin output jets.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a block diagram of an embodiment havingmultiple features.

FIG. 9 illustrates a circuit diagram.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 100 (a-b) surfboard 102 (a-c) output tube104 motor 106 (a-f) intake tube 108 switch 110 (a-f) intake port 112output jet 200 energy storage 202 energy connection 300 (a-b) battery302 capacitor 304 electric motor 306 (a-c) canister capacitor 314electric motor generator 320 solar cell panel 322 (a-c) anode wire 324(a-c) cathode wire 400 board surface 402 (a-b) foot 404 (a-b) channelinput 406 (a-b) turbine generator 408 (a-b) channel output 410 (a-d)channel 412 wave face 418 (a-c) fin 420 (a-b) waterwheel 422 (a-b)edge-mounted waterwheel 424 (a-c) vane 426 axle 520 (a-b) wave 522 (a-b)surfer 700 (a-e) fin output jet 900 burst timer switch 908 wirelessswitch 910 low thrust switch 920 (a-b) rectifier 930 chassis ground 940motor control

SPECIAL DEFINITIONS

generator—one that generates, as a machine by which mechanical energy ischanged into electrical energy

motor—any of various power units that develop energy or impart motion:as a small compact engine; internal combustion engine; especially: agasoline engine or hydrogen engine; a rotating machine that transformselectrical energy into mechanical energy

engine—a machine for converting any of various forms of energy intomechanical force and motion; also a mechanism or object that serves asan energy source

pump—a device that raises, transfers, delivers, or compresses fluids orthat attenuates gases especially by suction or pressure or both

turbine—a rotary engine actuated by the reaction or impulse or both of acurrent of fluid (as water, steam, or air) subject to pressure andusually made with a series of curved vanes on a central rotating spindle

impulse—a force so communicated as to produce motion suddenly

propeller—one that propels; especially a device that consists of acentral hub with radiating blades placed and twisted so that each formspart of a helical surface and that is used to propel a vehicle (as aship or airplane)

capacitor—a passive electronic component consisting of a pair ofconductors separated by a non-conductive region.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved powered surfboard havingvarious advantages that make for easy to learn, easy to use, safe,exciting, high performance, environmentally friendly surfing on anyocean wave in the world. The various embodiments include novel motor,turbine, or electric motor generator surfboards comprising hydrogen orelectric-powered motors, which can be switch-activated and which drivesjet pumps. Energy can be stored as compressed gas, including air andhydrogen. Energy can be stored in novel capacitors that are incorporatedin the body of the surfboard. Energy can be generated by solar or waterpower while surfing.

Powered Surfboard

FIG. 1 illustrates a general block diagram of a clean energy poweredsurfboard 100 comprising a motor 104 attached to an intake tube 106 andan output tube 102. An intake port 110 is positioned on the side orbottom of the surfboard 100 and attaches to the intake tube 106. Atleast one output jet 112 is located at the rear of the surfboard 100 andattached to an output tube 102. A switch 108 is mounted on the surfboard100 and is depressed, rotated, slid, or signaled to activate the motor104 when needed.

A wireless switch 908 (see FIG. 9) may be signaled by using a hand held,wrist mounted, or swimsuit mounted wired or wireless transmitter.

A motor 104 is preferred to an external propeller because of drag andsafety. The motor 104 further comprises a propeller or turbine, forminga pump, and may be powered by hydrogen, electricity, or compressed air.Water enters the intake port 110 and is channeled through an intake tube106 to the motor 104. The motor 104 drives the water via the output tube102 to the output jet 112, allowing the water exhaust from the outputjet 112 to propel the surfboard forward with a short burst of highthrust.

When trying to catch a wave, in this first mode, the short burst of highthrust will allow the surfer to catch waves more effectively. With thepowered surfboard 100 an expert can catch harder waves and a novice canenjoy surfing much more quickly and safely. The short burst of highthrust can also be used to avoid a hazard.

When returning the surfboard to the wave breaks (starting point),returning to the shore when tired or injured, or to move away from ahazard, in a second mode, the motor is optionally configured to providea steady, low thrust over an extended period of time. Unlike Jet Skisand Surfjet-like device, this second mode would not provide high speedsthat may be dangerous for swimmers and other boarders (requiringregulation by government entities) but would only provide a low speed,which is less than the speed at which an average unassisted surfer couldpaddle. Thus, embodiments with both these modes would result in a cleanenergy powered surfboard that has no higher performance speed, or otherbehavior, than that of a board powered by a young healthy surfer withouta handicap. Thus, such clean energy powered surfboards would arguably beexempt from many government regulations associated with personalwatercraft and boats, in that they are equivalent to a non-poweredsurfboard in all of its intended operations and behaviors.

Energy Storage

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the energy storage 200 capacitieswithin the surfboard 100. The stored energy is communicated from energystorage 200 via energy connection 202.

In one embodiment, energy storage 200 contains compressed gas that isreleased to turn the motor 104 and released with the water as exhaustvia the jet 112.

In another embodiment, energy storage 200 contains compressed gas thatis released directly as exhaust via the jet 112, eliminating the motor.

In another embodiment, energy storage 200 contains compressed hydrogengas which is combusted to turn the motor 104 which draws in water fromintake port 110 into intake tube 106 and propels it through output tube102 to output jet 112

In yet other embodiments, energy storage 200 stores electrical energy,such as those shown in FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D.

Electrical Storage

FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D illustrate block diagrams of various embodimentsof electrical storage. Each instance illustrates a surfboard 100comprising a motor 104 which creates thrust via the output jet 112. Themotor 104 is attached to an intake tube 106 and an output tube 102. Anintake port 110 is positioned on the side or bottom of the surfboard 100and attaches to the intake tube 106. The output jet 112 is located atthe rear of the surfboard 100 and attached to an output tube 102. Aswitch 108 is mounted on the surfboard 100 and is depressed, rotated,slid, or signaled to activate the motor 104 when needed.

Battery

FIG. 3A illustrates an electric powered embodiment where the energystorage is in the form of at least one battery 300. The battery 300 isconnected to the motor 104 with an anode wire 322 and a cathode wire324.

The battery 300 may be charged by solar (see FIG. 3B) or water power(see FIGS. 4A through 4E and FIGS. 5A and 5B), or a conventionalrecharging system (not shown).

When activated by the switch 108, the battery 300 provides energy to theelectric motor 104 which creates thrust via the output jet 112.

Solar

FIG. 3B illustrates aspects of a solar powered embodiment whereexemplary rechargeable batteries 300 are attached to a solar cell panel320. The solar cell panel 320, comprising multiple solar cells, ismounted preferably on the top of the surfboard 100 and may cover theentire width of the surfboard for a predetermined length of thesurfboard 100. The batteries 300 are positioned in the internalstructure of the surfboard 100 and connect to the solar cell panel 320by anode wires 322 and cathode wires 324.

When activated by the switch 108, the batteries 300 provides electricalenergy to the motor 104 which creates thrust via the output jet 112.

Alternatively, the solar cell panel 320 could be connected to capacitors(such as 302 or 306), instead of batteries 300. The use of capacitorsare explained below in reference to FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D.

Capacitor Plates

FIG. 3C illustrates an embodiment where electrical energy is stored in acapacitor 302 comprised of a positive plate and a negative plateseparated by a small distance. In one novel embodiment the positiveplate and the negative plate are almost as wide and almost as long asthe main body of the surfboard 100. The capacitor 302 is embedded withinthe surfboard 100 during its construction and connects to the motor 104by anode wires 322 and cathode wires 324. The capacitor 302 operatessimilar to the battery 300 in its ability to store a charge and torelease the energy to the electric motor.

In another novel embodiment (not shown), a plurality of plate capacitors302 could be stacked inside the core of the surfboard 100.

In yet another novel embodiment (not shown), at least one plate of afirst capacitor 302 could form the structure of the upper surface of thesurfboard 100, and at least one plate of a second capacitor 302 couldform the structure of the upper surface of the surfboard 100. The outerplates could be grounded to each other and preferably also grounded tothe water. Theses structural plates could be made of thicker than normalmetal or carbon fibers. The corresponding nonstructural plates would beseparated from the stronger structural plates by a dielectric layer,such as plastic. The other surfaces of the surfboard 100 could be formedof conventional materials, such as fiberglass and the core could then befilled with foam.

When activated by the switch 108, the capacitor 302 provides electricalenergy to the motor 104, which creates thrust via the output jet 112.

Canister Capacitors

FIG. 3D illustrate an embodiment where electrical energy is stored inone or more canister capacitors 306. Three canister capacitors 306(a-c)are shown here for illustrative purposes. Each canister capacitor 306 iscomprised of a positive plate and a negative plate separated by a smalldistance, rolled up and stored in a discrete canister. In practice,dozens of canister capacitors 306 could be embedded in the core of thesurfboard 100 and wired together. The canister capacitors 306 connect tothe motor 104 by anode wires 322 and cathode wires 324. The canistercapacitors 306 operate similar to the battery 300 in their ability tostore a charge and to release the electrical energy to the motor.

When activated by the switch 108, the canisters capacitor 306 provideselectrical energy to the motor 104, which creates thrust via the outputjet 112.

Water Channels for Turbine Generators

FIG. 4A illustrates aspects of an exemplary water-powered embodimentcomprising novel channels 410(a-b) in the rear of the surfboard 100 nearfins 418(a-c). Each channel 410 is comprised of a channel input 404,positioned on the bottom of the surfboard 100, a channel output 408,positioned on the top of the surfboard 100, and a turbine generator 406within the channel 410.

As the surfboard 100 moves through the water while being driven by awave 412, gravity and water apply strong forces to the surfboard 100.The water-powered embodiment takes advantage of the strong water forcesto drive turbine generators 406 to charge the electrical forms of energystorage 200 (see FIG. 2), such as a battery 300 (e.g. see FIG. 3A, FIG.3B, and FIG. 8), capacitor 302 (e.g. see FIG. 3C), canister capacitor306 (e.g. See FIG. 3D), or to create hydrogen from the water. As asurfer 52 (not shown) rides the surfboard 100 by placing the surfer'sfeet 402 on the board surface 400, the water flows through channels 410to drive the turbine generators 406. The charging period while riding awave is sufficient to store the energy needed to return to the nextstart, and some of the charge could be drawn off to return the surfboardto the wave breaks (starting point) or to provide thrust to catch thenext wave, or wave set.

Waterwheels

FIG. 4B through FIG. 4D illustrate aspects of embodiments of waterpowered surfboards 100 having at least one waterwheel 420 exposed on thebottom board surface 400 of the surfboard 100.

FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C illustrate details of aspects of one embodiment ofthe waterwheel 420 comprising multiple vanes 424. The waterwheel 420 ismounted inside the surfboard 100, but partially extends beyond the plainof the bottom board surface 400. The waterwheel 420 is mounted on anaxle 426 that drives a generator (not shown). As the surfboard 100 movesthrough the water, the vanes 424 catch the water and drive thewaterwheel 420 to generate electricity.

The waterwheel 420 could be relative flat like a disc as shown here, oralternatively could be cylinder shaped as shown in FIG. 4D and FIG. 4E.

FIG. 4D illustrates aspects of an embodiment having one or morewaterwheels 420 (exemplarily shown here with two waterwheels 420 a and420 b) exposed on the bottom board surface 400 of the surfboard 100. Inthis embodiment the waterwheels 420 are cylindrical and have long vanes424(a-c) which are perpendicular to the flow of the water under thesurfboard 100. Multiple waterwheels 420 could be attached to a singleaxle and generator. Alternatively, each waterwheel 420 could have asmall generator inside the body of the waterwheel 420.

FIG. 4E illustrates aspects of a water powered surfboard 100 having oneor more edge-mounted waterwheels 422 (exemplarily shown here with twoedge-mounted waterwheels 422(a-b)) positioned along the trailing edgesof the surfboard 100. Similar to the operation of the surfboard 100shown in FIG. 4A, as the surfboard 100 continuously falls through thewave, great forces are applied by the water passing around the sides ofthe surfboard 100. These water forces drive the edge-mounted waterwheels422.

Bi-Directional Channels

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate water-powered embodiments withbi-directional channels.

FIG. 5A illustrates aspects of a surfboard 100 comprising multiple wavechannels 410 and fins 418(a-c). The channels 410(a-d) are positioned atthe front and rear of the board and are bi-directional such that theturbines 406 inside the channels 410 (see FIG. 4A) in the front and rearcharge as water flows up and down through channels 410 relative tosurfboard 100. This enables the energy storage 200 (see FIG. 2) to berecharged even when a surfer 522 is merely sitting on the surfboard 100waiting to catch a wave, or waiting for the next set of waves. Forms ofenergy storage 200 (see FIG. 2) could be a battery 300 (e.g. see FIG.3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 8), capacitor 302 (e.g. see FIG. 3C), canistercapacitor 306 (e.g. See FIG. 3D), or hydrogen split from water. Further,the rear channels 410 would work similar to those shown in FIG. 4A whenriding a wave.

FIG. 5B illustrates a method of recharging the battery using passingwaves. Two surfers 522(a-b) on two surfboards 100(a-b), respectively,each surfboard 100 having multiple wave channels 410. As the wave movespast each surfboard 100, water flows up and down through the channels410. Even if the waves die down, and the water is perfectly calm,surfers 522 could still shift their weight on the board to charge theelectrical storage using this configuration.

Multiple Input Ports

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate aspects of embodiments of surfboard 100having a water-powered electric motor generator 314 and multiple intakeports 110, which are positioned along the side of the surfboard 100. InFIG. 6A multiple intake tubes 106(a-f) attach to the intake ports110(a-f) respectively on the board surface 400 of the surfboard 100 andcombine into a single intake tube 106, which attaches to the electricmotor generator 314 internal to the surfboard 100. Similar to FIG. 1,the electric motor generator 314 drives the output jet 112 by means ofan output tube 102.

The same turbine 406 of the electric motor generator 314 is be used todrive the output jet 112 as well as to recharge the energy storage 200(see FIG. 2). Forms of energy storage 200 (see FIG. 2) could be abattery 300 (e.g. see FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 8), capacitor 302 (e.g.see FIG. 3C), canister capacitor 306 (e.g. See FIG. 3D), or hydrogensplit from water. An electric motor generator 314 such as in the FIG.6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 8 embodiments has dual functions, both as anembodiment of a turbine channel 410 (as in FIG. 4A) while riding a wave,and as a jet drive motor 104 (as in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 3D) whileunder electrical power. While riding a wave, water is forced up throughone or more of the intake ports 110(a-f) and forces the turbine 406(internal to the electric motor generator 314) to turn the generator togenerate electricity, which is then stored. When the switch 108 (notshown) is activated, the stored electrical energy is delivered to theelectric motor generator 314, which drives to turbine 406 to pump waterin the intake ports 110 and force it out through output jet 112,providing thrust.

In FIG. 6B, multiple intake tubes 106(a-c) attach to the intake ports110(a-c) respectively on the bottom of the board surface 400 of thesurfboard 100 and connect separately to the electric motor generator 314internal to the surfboard 100. This has the advantage of still poweringthe turbine 406 (internal to the electric motor generator 314) to turnthe generator to generate electricity even when another intake port 110,such as 110c, is not having water forced into to it.

While six intake ports 110 are shown in FIG. 6A and three intake ports110 are shown in FIG. 6B, the number of location of the input ports 110could vary.

Fin Output Jets

FIG. 7 illustrates an aspect of a powered surfboard 100 having theoutput jet 112 incorporated into the fins 418 with at least one finoutput jet 700. The fins 418 are attached to the bottom board surface400 of the surfboard 100. Output tubes 102 connect the fin output jets700 to the motor 104, and allow the motor 104 to drive the fin outputjets 700. Both a single and dual output jet embodiments are illustrated.In one embodiment, a single output jet is incorporated into fin 418 bwith only one fin output jet 700 c, which is positioned at the bottom ofthe fin 418 b. In another embodiment, dual output jets are incorporatedinto fins 418(a, c) containing fin output jets 700(a-b) and 700(d-e)respectively. The fin output jets 700 a and 700 d are positioned at thetop of the fins 418 a and 418 c, respectively, while the fin output jets700 b and 700 e are positioned at the bottom. The output tubes 102(a-c)are connected to fins 418(a-c) respectively. The novel fin output jet700 offers added stability to the surfboard 100 and enables the outputjet 700 to remain submerged in the water, where the exhaust will be moreeffective to thrust the surfboard 100 forward.

Combined Elements

The foregoing has disclosed various elements that may be combined toform any number of embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8illustrates an exemplary powered surfboard combination that provides asurfer with multiple energy storage, charging and propulsion systems tobetter adjust to varying surfing conditions.

This embodiment of a combined water and solar powered surfboard 100comprises a solar cell panel 320, comprising multiple solar cells,mounted on the top of the surfboard 100 and extending the entire lengthof the surfboard 100. A battery 300 is positioned in the internalstructure of the surfboard 100 and connects to the solar cell panel 320by anode wires 322 and cathode wires 324. The stored energy of thebattery 300 is communicated from energy storage 200 via energyconnection 202. The switch 108 activates the energy transfer.

The surfboard 100 also comprises an electric motor generator 314attached to an intake tube 106 and an output tube 102. An intake port110 is positioned on the side or bottom of the surfboard 100 andattaches to the intake tube 106. At least one output jet 112 is locatedat the rear of the surfboard 100 and attached to an output tube 102.

A fin 418 is attached to the bottom board surface 400 of the surfboard100. In one embodiment, a second output tube 102 b connects the finoutput jets 700 to the electric motor generator 314, and allow theelectric motor generator 314 to drive the fin output jets 700.

The surfboard 100 also comprises one or more channels 410 in the rear ofthe surfboard 100, such as those shown in FIG. 4A.

Other combinations of elements are anticipated. For example, in acurrently preferred embodiment, the battery 300 of FIG. 8 is replaced bycapacitors (302 or 306) to avoid possible ocean contamination fromrechargeable battery 300 leakage and the plurality of channels 410 arelocated in both the front and the back such as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG.5B.

In yet another embodiment, the electricity from solar or water powercould be used to separate hydrogen and oxygen from salt water. Thehydrogen could be stored in a bladder or tank inside the board (a formof energy storage 200) and then used to drive a clean burning combustionengine (having not carbon emissions).

Exemplary Circuit Diagram

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram showing how variousoptional elements of various embodiments would be connected if they wereused.

The anode wires 322 and cathodes wire 324 form an energy connection 202between energy storage 200 and the various motor options (e.g. motor104, electric motor 304, or electric motor generator 314). In someembodiments, such as a surfboard with a board surface 400 comprised inpart by metal, the cathodes wires are connected chassis ground 930.

Energy storage 200 can be configured using one or more of batteries 300,capacitors 302 or canister capacitors 306.

Self-recharging sources can be configured using one or more of solarcell panels 320, turbine generators 406, waterwheels 420, edge-mountedwaterwheels 422, or electric motor generators 314. Turbine generators406 which could produce alternating current should be isolated from theenergy storage via a rectifier 920 a. An electric motor generator 314,when a switch is operated, is driven by the energy storage, butgenerates and stores energy when being driven by a wave, thus arectifier 920 b is used to isolate the electric motor generator 314 whenit is not charging. In one embodiment, the switch would disconnect thecharging circuit when the switch is active.

Switch options include one or more of a simple switch 108, a wirelessswitch 908, a burst timer switch 900, or a low thrust switch 910. Whenany switch is operated, energy it transferred to the cathodes wire 324below the switches to operate the motors (104, 304, or 314) to createthrust. In the case of a non-electric motor 104 (such as a hydrogenburning or compressed air motor), any switch would activate a motorcontrol 940, such as a throttle or valve, which would then control thenon-electric motor 104.

The burst timer switch 900, when depressed would activate a burst ofhigh thrust for a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment, theperiod of time could be adjusted by a switch or dial which is part ofthe burst timer switch 900.

The wireless switch 908 is operated when a wireless receiver detects awireless signal (as discussed above).

The low thrust switch 910 would provide low thrust for an extendedperiod of time while the low thrust switch 910 is being operated. Thelow thrust could be implemented as a series of intermittent pulses or byconstraining the amount of energy delivered to the motor.

Minimal Storage and Horsepower

It will be understood from the foregoing that powered surfboards of thepresent invention can be made with smaller, lighter, less expensivecomponents, than have been required by previous attempts at poweredsurfboards. For example, a water powered embodiment that uses a channel410 (e.g. FIG. 4A), a waterwheel 420 or 422 (e.g. FIG. 4B through FIG.4E), or an electric motor generator 314 (e.g. FIG. 6B) and capacitors(302 or 306) is self-contained and self-recharging. Thus, only enoughenergy for the next action, for example, to catch the next wave, isrequired to be stored at any time. The capacitors can be relativelysmall and lightweight compared to batteries or gasoline tanks The motordoes not have to produce high horse power or speed, but only a quickburst of thrust.

Excess Power Generation

In some embodiments, the solar powered and/or water powered surfboardcan generate and store more energy than is needed for surfing. Awaterproof socket can be provided for releasing the excess energy forother purposes while on shore such as provide LED light for camping,recharging a cell phone, iPod, or laptop computer, or recharging a carbattery.

An embodiment could be designed to generate and store a significantamount of electrical energy that could be resold, such that surferswould actually be earning money and saving the environment by surfing.

Advantages Environmentally Friendly

These powered surfboards use “green” power such as solar, wave power,and hydrogen. These clean, renewal types of power are environmentallyfriendly and consistent with traditional surfer values.

Safe

The powered surfboard can minimize the risk of accident or injury byenabling surfers to move away quicker in order to avoid collision withanother surfer who is riding a wave, or to escape from a wave that istoo powerful. It may also enable surfers to avoid shark attacks byescaping from a threatening predator. If a shark bites a board thatcontains a capacitor (such as 302 or 306) the shark would be repelled bythe electrical shock. The powered board may also enable surfers tonavigate to safety in case of injury or incapacitation.

Unlike jet skis and Surfjet-like devices, these powered surfboard arenot designed to independently move at high speeds, endangering swimmersand traditional surfer, and requiring safety cutoffs. Instead they aredesign to operate in the same mode and speeds as convention surfboards,albeit providing equalizing assistance for the novice, mature, orhandicapped surfer.

Rescue

The powered surfboard enables surfers to navigate to safety in case ofinjury or allow other surfers to rescue in case of incapacitation.

High Performance

Powered surfboard can return a surfer to return to wave breaks faster orgain momentum in order to catch a wave.

Easy to Learn

Because the powered surfboard reduces the need for extensive swimmingand makes it easier to catch a wave, surfing is accessible toless-experienced surfers.

Easy to Use

The switch is easy to activate.

Thrust is automatically provided when needed to catch a wave.

Embodiments that are self-contained, such as those recharged by solar orwater power, do not require refueling or manual recharging.

Solar cells positioned on the deck of the surfboard can provideincreased traction for surfers to easily maintain balance and grip, thusreducing the need to wax the deck.

Lightweight and Portable

These powered surfboards are lighter weight than gasoline poweredSurfjet like devices. They can be carried as a normal surfboard, ratherthan with a customized wheeled cart.

Embodiments that are self contained, such as those recharged by solar orwater power, only require enough stored energy for a single action, suchas catching the next wave, and thus can be made with smaller, lightercomponents.

Lower Cost to Make and Operate

These powered surfboards are lower cost to make and to operate.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the improved, high performance,environmentally friendly powered surfboards are easy to learn, easy touse, safe and exciting.

While the above descriptions contain several specifics these should notbe construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather asexamples of some of the preferred embodiments thereof. Many othervariations are possible. For example, different types of electricalstorage can be substituted or used together, and component can belocated in different locations. Further, the number of components can bereduced or increased. The switch could be connected to a timer such thata thrust burst of a predetermined time, such a 5 seconds, would bestarted every time the switch is activated. Further some of these novelconcepts are not limited to surfboard but could be used for body boards,or other vessels. For example, larger boats could be solar powered orgenerate electricity while at anchor. The variations could be usedwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the novel features of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by theillustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and their legalequivalents.

1. A clean energy powered surfboard for use by a surfer in surfing oceanwaves, comprising: a) a board surface, comprising a bottom and a top, b)a clean energy electricity storage, enclosed within the board surface,c) a clean energy electric motor, enclosed within the board surface, d)at least one intake tube connected to the motor, enclosed within theboard surface, e) at least one intake port position on the board surfacefor taking in water from the ocean, connected to each intake tube, f) atleast one output tube connected to the motor, enclosed within the boardsurface, g) at least one output jet, for driving exhaust water back intothe ocean, connected to each output tube, h) an electrical connectionbetween the electricity storage and the electric motor, and i) a switchfor activating the transfer of stored electricity to the motor.
 2. Theclean energy powered surfboard of claim 1, wherein the electricitystorage comprise one or more capacitors each formed of two substantiallyflat plates, and wherein at least one of substantially flat plates formsthe structure of the board surface.
 3. The clean energy poweredsurfboard of claim 3 wherein the electricity storage is charged beforethe board enters the ocean.
 4. The clean energy powered surfboard ofclaim 1, further comprising: at least one channel having a channel inputon the bottom of the board surface, an channel output on the top of theboard surface, and a turbine generator configured between the channelinput and the channel output, wherein the turbine generator iselectrically connected to the energy storage, and wherein, when waterpasses through the at least one channel, electrical energy is generatedby the electric motor generator and stored in the electricity storage.5. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 1, wherein the electricmotor further functions as a generator, forming an electric motorgenerator, wherein at least one intake port functions as a channelinput, positioned near the rear of the surfboard, wherein at least oneoutput jet functions as a channel output, wherein the electric motorgenerator functions as a turbine generator, and wherein, while riding awave, electrical energy is generated by the electric motor generator andstored in the electricity storage.
 6. The clean energy powered surfboardof claim 1, further comprising one or more fins, wherein at least onefin comprises a fin output jet, wherein at least one output jet ispositioned on a trailing edge of the at least one fin, wherein the finoutput jet is lower in the water than the plane of the bottom of theboard surface.
 7. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 1,wherein, each time a surfer operates the switch, a burst of thrust iscreated by the output jet for a predetermined period of time, whereinthe predetermined period of time in a first mode is less than 10seconds.
 8. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 7, wherein, in asecond mode, when the surfer operates the switch, the motor provides alow, steady thrust for a second period of time greater than 10 seconds,and wherein the maximum speed, without wave assistance, is slower thanthe average speed of the surfer paddling a non-powered surfboard.
 9. Theclean energy powered surfboard of claim 8, wherein the second period oftime is determined by a duration of the switch operation.
 10. The cleanenergy powered surfboard of claim 1, wherein the electricity storagecomprise one or more capacitors, wherein the capacitors are configuredto store energy sufficient to power electric motor for a cumulativeperiod of at least two minutes.
 11. The clean energy powered surfboardof claim 1, further comprising a solar cell panel forming a portion ofthe board surface, wherein the electricity storage charged while thesurfboard is in the ocean.
 12. The clean energy powered surfboard ofclaim 1, wherein the energy storage comprises one or more rechargeablebatteries.
 13. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 4 wherein theat least one channel is positioned on the rear of the surfboard, suchthat while riding a wave, electrical energy is generated and stored inthe electricity storage.
 14. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim4 wherein turbine generator generates electricity when water flowsthrough the channel in either direction, such that while sitting in thewater, electrical energy is generated as each wave approaches andpasses.
 15. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 1 furthercomprising at least one waterwheel comprising a plurality of vanes,wherein the waterwheel is positioned on one of the bottom of the boardsurface or an edge near the rear of the surfboard, wherein thewaterwheel drives a generator to generate electricity when water flowspast the waterwheel and impulses the exposed vanes, wherein thewaterwheel generator is connected to the electricity storage, andwherein, while riding a wave, electrical energy is generated and storedin the electricity storage.
 16. A clean energy powered surfboard for useby a surfer in surfing ocean waves, comprising: a) a board surface,comprising a bottom and a top, b) a clean energy storage, comprisingcompressed gas storage, enclosed within the board surface, c) a cleanenergy motor, enclosed within the board surface, d) at least one intaketube connected to the motor, enclosed within the board surface, e) atleast one intake port position on the board surface for taking in waterfrom the ocean, connected to each intake tube, f) at least one outputtube connected to the motor, enclosed within the board surface, g) atleast one output jet, for driving exhaust water back into the ocean,connected to each output tube, h) a connection between the compressedgas storage and the motor, and i) a switch for activating the transferof stored compressed gas to the motor.
 17. The clean energy poweredsurfboard of claim 16, wherein the compressed gas is air, and whereinthe compressed air is combined with the exhaust water in the motor. 18.The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 16, further comprising ahydrogen fuel cell, connected to the clean energy motor, wherein theenergy storage stores hydrogen, wherein the clean energy motor is anelectric motor, and wherein the electric motor is powered by a hydrogenfuel cell.
 19. A fin for constructing the clean energy powered surfboardof claim 6, the fin comprising: a) a fin structure having substantiallya convention size and shape, and b) at least one fin output jet,configured to drive exhaust water back into the water, positioned on atrailing edge of the fin structure, wherein the fin output jet isconfigured to be lower in the water than the plane of the bottom of thesurfboard.
 20. A method of generating and storing electricity by surfinga wave on a surfboard, comprising the steps of: a) providing a channelpositioned near the rear of a surfboard, b) providing a turbinegenerator in the channel, c) providing an energy storage electricallyconnected to the turbine generator, wherein, as the surfboardcontinuously falls through water on the face of the wave, water passesthrough the channel to drive the turbine generator which generateselectricity, wherein, while riding a wave, electrical energy isgenerated and stored in the energy storage.